Family: Menispermaceae
Synonym: Menispermum cocculus L.
Vernacular name: Kaipalathumka, Kollakkaya,
Nanchuvalli, Pechuvalli, Pettumarunna
Habit: Climber Shrub
Habitat: Moist deciduous and evergreen
forests, also sacred groves in the plains
Distribution: Indo-Malesia,
Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Indo-China,
Flowering and Fruiting: August-December
Key identification features: It is a woody climbers
with alternate, broadly ovate leaves. The unisexual flowers occur in large
drooping panicles on old branches. The stamens 9 in number and combine to form
a globose staminal column with sessile anthers. Female flowers have nine
staminodes that are obovate and scaly. The fruit consists of 1-3 drupes.
Uses: Fibre from the stem used to make ropes for house
construction. Leaves used to keep betel leaves fresh for more days and also as
a serving plate.
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